SAN LEANDRO -- High school biology teacher Victor Doan was named an Alameda County Teacher of the Year on Thursday night by the county Office of Education, rising above 18 accomplished peers also nominated for the honor.

The San Leandro High School teacher and graduate will go on to compete in a statewide competition, along with Alameda County Teacher of the Year Regina Brinker, of the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District. Some 300 people attended the Teacher of the Year ceremony, held at the Castro Valley Center for the Arts.

Doan, 34, began working at his 1997 alma mater in 2003, teaching honors and Advanced Placement biology courses.

Outside of the classroom, Doan is the varsity coach for the school's cross country team and assistant coach for the wrestling team at Bancroft Middle School. He has served as chairman of San Leandro High's science department for five years and been adviser to the Interact Community Service Club for nearly 10 years. His wife, Rochelle, teaches Spanish at San Leandro High. The couple is expecting their second child.

"I feel so blessed that I have found a job that I really love, am competent at, and just to be recognized at this level is an amazing experience," Doan said. "If I were to move on in the competition I would feel extremely honored and hope that I represent our district, county and our profession well."

"He is able to reach all of his students and also prepare them for college," she said.

Sheila Jordan, superintendent of the county Office of Education, said in a statement that Doan, Brinker and the other nominees "represent all excellent teachers in Alameda County and the very best in public education. They are role models for all of us."

Doan was previously honored as an All-Star Teacher finalist in the regional Comcast SportsNet competition in 2011.

Ashly McGlone covers San Leandro, San Lorenzo, San Ramon and the Washington Township Health Care District. Contact her at 510-293-2463. Follow her at Twitter.com/AshlyReports.